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The Mango Tree Christmas Menu for 2016 totally rocks! Mr. Sunny and I recently reviewed the Belgravia location and the restaurant’s location inside Harrods Food Hall and enjoyed both. However, their newly launched Christmas menu is one not to miss. Not only is the food delicious, but also the price is great.

We arrived a little ahead of our 6pm table booking because we know the cocktails at The Mango Tree are exquisite. They’re both tasty and beautifully presented like the one you see above. That is the drink I ordered, the Funky Coco. It’s rich with Malibu rum, natural fresh Thai coconut water, lychee liqueur and lychee juice and served in a fresh Thai coconut. Ohhhhh yum!

Mr. Sunny gulped down the Mango Colada. Again, a cool cocktail that looks great too!

Mango Tree Christmas Menu 2016: The Food

Since we aren’t vegetarians, we ate from the ‘Meat’ Christmas menu. The Starters feature:

Each one is decadent in taste, and the overall presentation is fun. As we sipped on our wine, we started to get a little nervous about the Mains arriving, as the Starters were quite filling. However, we knew we would make a hearty attempt to eat everything, as usual. The Mains on The Mango Tree Christmas Menu are:

My favourite was definitely the last one, the pad Thai. It was rich with rolling flavour. However, the dessert blew me away. I would never have thought to combine mango with chocolate. The Mango Tree Christmas Menu has its most unique offering in the Mango Mousse.

While it doesn’t look too exotic, the total combination of mango mousse with chocolate crumble dusted with green tea macha powder is refreshing and super tasty. I would have to say it’s possibly one of the best desserts I have had in England on a Christmas menu at a restaurant.

The Mango Tree: Ambiance

This Belgravia hot spot has a swanky atmosphere and attracts a big crowd. Shortly after we arrived for dinner, the restaurant’s tables were nearly all full. You certainly want to book ahead if you’re heading there to sample the Christmas menu or for any other occasion, just to be safe. I loved the Christmas decorations and feel The Mango Tree gets a ton of cool stars for atmosphere.

The Mango Tree Christmas Menu: Price

On our first visit to the Belgravia location we felt it was a bit pricey for dinner. That sentiment is certainly not the same for the 2016 Christmas menu. At £38 per person, it’s really reasonable. I brought a bit of the pad Thai home because I just couldn’t part with it and knew I would crave it the next day. We really struggled to finish alll the food, so the portion sizes are rather big and more than enough for two large appetites.

The Mango Tree Christmas Menu: Final Thoughts

Don’t be discouraged by all the meat items above if you’re vegetarian, because The Mango Tree Christmas Menu has a lengthy list of vegetarian items too. Whether for a romantic date night or festive night with friends, this new menu packs a great punch for the 2016 season.

Our meal was complimentary for the purpose of a review, but this doesn’t affect our opinion. It was our best experience at The Mango Tree, which is also located in Doha and Bangkok. Let me know what you think if you’re able to make it to experience this holiday meal. Again, great food and good deal!

Guess who’s back? Yep. Mr. Sunny and I hit Oxford Street and Regent Street to see the 2016 Christmas lights and made sure to visit Chi Kitchen again to absorb the new Christmas menu.

We reviewed the restaurant recently, and if you have been watching my tweets, you know I suggest that it is the place to visit during Christmas if you need a food and shopping stop combined in to one, as it is inside Debenham’s department store. Our experience was great. For general ambiance information, you can read about in my previous review. To summarise, it’s easy to find, and of course, in a spectacular location for Christmas shoppers.

When it comes to the food, we feel it is great for the value. The Pan-Asian twist on Christmas caught our attention. First to hit our table is the Chilli Prawns, Sweet Potato and Turkey Sliders.

I quickly munched down all the sweet potato fries and gave Mr. Sunny the spicy opportunity to devour the chilli prawns. We both were a bit puzzled about the turkey sliders because they seem a bit unnatural for a pan-Asian menu. While they are good, the real show stealer is the blueberry mayo you see in the center. Wow- I never would’ve thought of combining these ingredients.

For the Main course, we enjoyed the Grilled Turkey with a Kalamsansi Sauce, Choo Cher Prawns, and Yuzu Salmon.

It is accompanied by a lovely side of Egg friend rice with snow peas.

For dessert, the Chi Kitchen Christmas Menu includes a Walnut Chocolate Brownie with Clotted Cream and Custard. We enjoyed this but felt a bigger dollop of clotted cream would work well.

Before my first holiday trip to London, my family asked what British people eat for Christmas. I arrived in the beginning of January the first time I lived in London and didn’t stay an entire calendar year. So, I wasn’t actually sure how to answer everyone.

Would it be just like how it was depicted in ‘A Christmas Carol’? Do they really eat pheasant or goose now? Was that just the Victorian era or true English tradition?

I relied heavily on my English husband (London born) for ideas to share with you, as well as a little research. After living here four years, what British people eat for Christmas still has me curious. I enjoy some of their holiday foods and drinks. Others- not so much!

You can see which British Christmas season drink has me plugging my nose and running the other direction here…

While no person’s Christmas dinner plate is ever the same, there are some general items that you see at a British holiday meal. If you’re British, be sure to add your additions and thoughts to what British people eat for Christmas in the comments below or on the YouTube video. American friends, what other things about living in London as an American expat would you like to know?

What’s the difference between Christmas in London or Christmas in NYC? I’m sure there are plenty of things that are the same. However, after living as an American expat in London for several years and being married to a British bloke, I’ve learned some fun things to do for the holidays in London that you can’t find anywhere else. From Christmas markets to drinks that the English love, I share a bit about the London holiday season life below.

Of course there is great shopping in London and New York City. That’s not something I show in the video. Both cities also have great deals after Christmas too. In fact, just two years ago London really starting getting in to the Black Friday spirit. Now, for whatever reason they justify here, there are some serious deals the day after Thanksgiving. Why retailers have tried to copy the massive shopping crowd hysteria that happens on this day in the US makes no sense to me.

Take a few minutes to see what makes London unique during the Christmas holiday.

It would be great if you were able to add your ideas about unique activities in London that I didn’t include in the video. Also, make sure to leave your ideas about Christmas things to do in New York City that you can’t do in London in the comments below. For more cultural differences, I’ve also written a blog feature on ‘Christmas Differences Between the US and UK.’

Do you struggle with baking during the holidays because you’re limited to lactose free Christmas recipes?

As a person who should eat gluten free, I can surely sympathisize with the problems associated with eating from a limited selection of food. It’s especially difficult during the winter season when comfort food temptations peak.

When Arla Lactofree contacted me about an afternoon tea featuring lactose free recipes at Bake-a-Boo in West Hampstead, there were many reasons I said yes.

Since I discovered Bake-a-Boo on Twitter in 2011, I have been a fan and follower. The bake shop, tea room and party parlour is a hidden treasure of the affluent London suburb West Hampstead. It offers a range of speciality cakes and treats free from the common allergens of wheat, gluten and dairy. Bake-a-Boo also has egg and sugar free treats.

The evening event offered an opportunity to network with other bloggers, learn more about Lactofree, receive lactose free Christmas recipes, and peek behind the scenes of Bake-a-Boo.

With about six other bloggers, I spent the evening sampling lactose free Christmas recipes from Arla Lactofree and Bake-a-Boo.

Above, is a picture of the Mince Pie Cupcakes, which were my favourite.

Lactose Free Christmas Recipes:

(Makes 15 mini cupcakes)

Ingredients:

Steps:

– Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and line a mini cupcake baking tray with mini cupcake cases
– Cream the Arla Lactofree Spreadable and sugar together in a mixing bowl
– Add the vanilla essence
– Beat in the egg and then combine the mincemeat
– Fold in the flour and cinnamon
– Distribute the mixture evenly between the cupcake cases
– Bake for 10-12 minutes and leave to cool completely

Icing and drizzle decoration:

– Prepare the chocolate buttercream by combining all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl until you have desired consistency.
– Place in the centre of each shape made from the white sugar paste moulded like icing drizzle. Create a holly leaf with the green sugar paste using a holly cutter if you have one, or just make a leaf shape if you don’t. Then add two small balls made from the red sugar paste to look like the holly berries.

Since that was one of the final treats, you’re probably wondering what lactose free food was featured first.

In a bowl combine the turkey mince, Arla Lactofree Spreadable, onions and garlic, herbs and spices, salt and pepper, ketchup and breadcrumbs until evenly combined using hands.

Make small patty balls with your hands out of the meat mixture and place on a baking tray lined with greasproof paper, leaving enough space for the lollipop sticks to be added.

Lightly insert the lollipop sticks into each patty ball.

Place baking tray in the oven and cook for 25 minutes, turning the lollipops half way through.

Once slightly cooked, tie each stick with a red ribbon for decoration and serve immediately whilst still warm. Serve with crandberry jam for dipping.

The evening was super fun. I especially loved the opportunity to meet Urvashi from the blog Botanical Kitchen. She is a previous contestant of the BBC’s Great British Bake Off and is the owner of Library Cafe in Enfield.

Arla Lactofree has some very exciting products launching in 2016. I had the opportunity to try one at the afternoon tea event at Bake-a-Boo but have been sworn to secrecy.

What I can say is that next year will certainly be ground-breaking for the brand, and you’ll be able to have the exclusive details here on the Sunny blog. Currently, these are the best-selling items…

Do you have any lactose free Christmas recipes that you can share, Sunny friends? Have you been to Bake-a-Boo? If not, here is a little look inside…

If you aren’t from London and are visiting for the holidays, it can be very hard to decide what to do when you visit this fabulous town.

That’s why this year I went to all the places I think are the best locations for ice skating in London and have them here for you!

Ice Skating in London: Tower of London

One of the last to open during the Christmas season, the Tower of London could be considered the most dangerous place to go ice skating in London.

Ok, ok, that’s just a silly joke because this location is historically a place of torture.

As you can see, it’s a very large rink, and the surrounding views are stunning. Not only can skaters whiz by the Tower of London every time they circle the rink, but also they can see the Mayor of London’s office, the Gherkin and The Shard. This year the Tower of London Ice Rink is open until January 3, 2016.

There is a cafe located nearby called The PieMan, so if you work up an appetite you can grab food too.

Ice Skating in London: Somerset House Ice Rink

In my Periscope broadcast of Somerset House Ice Rink, I called it the ‘most fashionable’ place to go ice skating in London. This is because the location hosted Fashion Week from 2009 up until February 2015.

During the day, people skating around the rink can see the stunning Somerset House courtyard and the beautiful Fortnum and Mason sponsored Christmas tree. It’s also right near Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery so if you’re just in London for the day, it’s easy to pair it with other fun, free things to do in London.

In the evening, this rink hosts ‘Club Nights’, which are said to be some of the best international clubs and festivals. The Skate Lounge offers cocktails and hot chocolate, and there is a Skate School and a Polar Cub Club for kids.

Ice Skating in London: Eyeskate Ice Rink

While the rink at the London Eye is certainly the smallest of all the ones listed on the blog, it’s by far the most breathtaking at night.

It’s the centerpiece of ‘Frostival’ in the Southbank Centre are of London for Christmas.

For this reason, I would suggest making sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy all the surrounding festivities when you visit.

Since I am super scared of ice skating myself, I suggest that if you’re going to visit Eyeskate either to actually skate or to take stunning pictures, that you also visit Bump. It’s only a minute or two walk from the London Eye, and it’s for four-wheelers. 😉

Ice Skating in London: Ski Zilertall Ice Rink

Everyone in London looks forward to Winter Wonderland, so it stands to reason that this ice rink is probably the ‘most popular’ during the holiday season. Of all the ice skating in London rinks, this one is certainly the most stereotypical of the ‘London attraction’ experience.

They have professional photographers who can take souvenir photos for you, and it’s super crowded during peak times. I suggest this location for thrill-seekers because there are also so many amusement rides at Winter Wonderland. If you aren’t going to pair your evening with those activities and a trip to the Bavarian Village, you probably want to consider another rink.

Ice skating sessions here last 50 minutes like nearly all the other rinks. Guests must arrive 20 minutes prior to their booking time. Winter Wonderland ends January 3, 2016.

Ice Skating in London: Swarovski Ice Rink

This ice skating location sits with a fabulous backdrop of the Natural History Museum. It’s very convenient from the South Kensington Underground Station, as you walk underground following the ‘Museum’ signs until you arrive at the rink.

The Café Bar has a bird’s-eye view of the rink and is open daily until the Ice Rink closes. It has a range of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, mulled wine, a variety of wines, beers and soft drinks. Other special offers are the Cream Tea Skate and Champagne Skate

Given its outside the Natural History Museum, I vote this location as the best for families and children because you can pair it with a free museum.

Ice Skating in London: Ice Rink Canary Wharf

This is the only ice rink on this list that is not in Central London. It’s in the heart of Canary Wharf and is just a few minutes walk from both the Canary Wharf Underground and DLR stations.

It’s billed as ‘London’s 5 Star Ice Rink.’ Canary Wharf has London’s only skate path, which is a ‘glittering trail of fairy-lit trees beneath Canary Wharf’s soaring towers’. I agree. It’s the most luxurious experience of all the ones listed on the blog.

Attached to the rink is a fantastic outdoor viewing terrace where people can sit and watch the skaters. Also part of this rink is The Tasting Room.

It has sharing menus, sandwiches, and cheese fondue. The venue offers winter cocktails, wines, draught and craft beers and is available for private parties.

For the 2015 holiday season, Ice Rink Canary Wharf is open until February 27.

Personally, I wouldn’t mix my drinks with ice, but if you think you can handle them both, please tag me in your video on Instagram!

Before you book your tickets online (as most of the locations require that), check to see how far in advance you must arrive before your session. One does suggest 40 minutes. Some of their prices fluctuate based on peak times.

So, those are the Sunny in London blog picks for the best places for ice skating in London for Christmas. Where do you recommend? Have you been to these ice rinks? Or, are you like me and you prefer to leave your skates safely here and watch all the other brave individuals…

Finding free Christmas things to do in London is not as hard as you might think. In fact, when you live in one of the world’s most expensive cities, you are constantly looking out for discounts or free events and opportunities.

For Americans or other travellers to London who have a limited amount of time for a holiday, it’s nice to have a guide to direct you to ways to save money and effort on research. London has so much to offer during the most wonderful time of the year. Quite a few things will put you in the Christmas spirit while not costing anything!

To keep it simple, this guide is arranged by area. Further, all the suggestions are within walking distance of each other and can easily be seen in one day. For the most part, the focus is on the West End and surrounding borders.

A photo posted by Sunny In London☀️🇬🇧 (@sunny_in_london) on Nov 4, 2015 at 12:02am PST

After strolling through the Jubilee Market and Apple Market, you can spend some time taking selfies in front of the Covent Garden Christmas tree and watching the very entertaining street performers.

In the past there have been Santa’s reindeer on display for a series of Saturdays. I’ll be sure to update this list when they publish this year’s dates.

Walking North from the Piazza, you’ll find St. Martin’s Courtyard. Aside from numerous restaurants, you’ll be able to see the floral displays of the Covent Garden Academy of Flowers.

Just like the tree and decorations in the Piazza, the arrangements outside create fantastic picture opportunities.

If you are in fact Christmas shopping, I highly recommend one of their classes on making flower arrangements as a gift for a girl who ‘has it all’. Of all the workshops and courses I have taken in London, this class ranks as the best.

Christmas Things to Do in London: Trafalgar Square

In comparison to the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, the tree in Trafalgar Square isn’t quite as grand. Nonetheless, visiting it is something I make sure to do several times during the holiday season.

Like Covent Garden, you are likely to see street performers dressed in holiday style. And, if you look very, very closely (in the bottom right), you might even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus.

Finally, there are Christmas Carol services that you can watch for free on evenings during December.

Christmas Things to Do in London: Carnaby Street

If you want your list of free Christmas Things to Do in London to reflect a more eclectic vibe, Carnaby is the area you need to be. Their holiday lights officially illuminated the sky on November 12th. The dangling disco balls are dazzling.

Just around the corner from Carnaby Street is Foubert’s Place where you will find Choccywoccydoodah. This famous chocolatier has its own successful reality television show. If you take one look at the chocolate cakes, yes this all chocolate in the pictures below, you can see why.

Each year I make a few trips in to the store just to see the gorgeous displays. Again, it’s a great place to pick up fantastic chocolate for gifts. Or, if your diet is waiting until New Year, upstairs has a small but divine chocolate cafe.

Christmas Things to Do in London: Oxford Street

Not too far north of Carnaby is Oxford Street. This street is famous for many retail chains and countless red busses that travel tirelessly under all the strands of Christmas lights.

Aside from gazing at the glistening street lights, for free you can also view the displays at Selfridges.

Some people think Santa’s Grotto at Selfridges is the best in London. However, if you venture inside the department store, you’re very likely to spend money so I’ll refrain from pictures here in the spirit of the promotion of free Christmas things to do in London. 😉

Christmas Things to Do in London: Regent Street

Finally, the last stop is the biggest shopping street in Europe, Regent Street. Their seasonal events and decorations are unrivaled by any London neighborhood, in my opinion. From the Traffic Free Sunday’s in July, to the NFL in London Street Party, Regent Street promotes London love all year long.

Something you can do for free on Regent Street is visit Hamleys. At the entrance you are always greeted with something spectacular. The last time I visited I was showered with bubbles.

The Regent Street location has been there since 1881, so its absolutely iconic. It’s the oldest toy shop in the world, so it’s naturally always crowded.

Free Christmas Things to Do in London: Final Thoughts

When I have a leisurely day in London during the holidays, that’s the list of activities I do. I’m sure other areas have fun options, but the ones above are close to each other and offer beautiful picture opportunties, including some of London’s most iconic images.

What’s on your list of free Christmas things to do in London that you would recommend?

With so many hotels and restaurants offering a Christmas afternoon tea in London, how can you possibly make a decision on where to go?

Last year, I was invited to and enjoyed so many that I even hit three afternoon teas in one week!

Needless to say, the Christmas season left me feeling a bit heavy but with a strong idea of what London has to offer when it comes to Christmas afternoon tea.

While you may think it’s a bit premature to announce this year’s stand out afternoon tea for the holiday season, I am going to do it- right now.

If you are looking for an afternoon tea during the holidays that captures the essence of the range of the culinary experience, you need to book a table for the Conrad London St James Snow Queen Afternoon Tea offered in Emmeline’s Lounge.

Last year, you may remember the #LDNBLoggersTea hosted at Conrad London St James, which was a huge London blogger event. While at the Christmas afternoon tea preview, I spent some time speaking with Chef Zoe Wager, the Head Pastry Chef at the luxury hotel.

After seeing her exquisite work two years in a row, I feel confident in saying that she, Sunny friends, is the Queen of the Christmas Afternoon Tea in London.

Why?

She masterfully uses her culinary skills to not only create exquisite food combinations but also tell a story with her work.

When I interviewed her last year regarding how she approached the competitive Christmas afternoon tea offerings in London, she indicated she wanted the tea to represent the feeling of looking out a snow covered window.

This year, when Chef Zoe came to my table, I was honoured once again by her eagerness to talk. Immediately, I asked her about the noticeable difference in this year’s Christmas afternoon tea against last year’s- the colour. Knowing her depth of thought she puts in to this luxury hotel afternoon tea, I asked her to tell me this year’s story.

She immediately indicated that colour was a bit of her inspiration. Chef Zoe wants to avoid the cliche Christmas snowmen, reindeer and Santa Claus this year. Instead, she felt guided by the Snow Queen, an original fairy tale written by Hans Christian Anderson. This story centers on the struggle between good and evil.

To the novice eye, she may appear to have jumped on the Frozen marketing sleigh.

However, the Snow Queen story is about an evil troll who makes a magic mirror which distorts the appearance of everything it reflects. How? It magnifies the ugly and bad, rather than showing the good and beautiful aspects of people.

One might argue there’s a metaphoric connection with the mirror and the effects of too much champagne consumption. 😉

Rather than labour through the rest of the story details, I want to show how every bite of the Conrad London St James Snow Queen Afternoon Tea tells this story through food and ambiance.

While we were there, Emmeline’s Lounge was transformed in to a fairy tale atmosphere with a mystical indigo lighting.

Did this disturb our pictures?

That, perhaps, depends on which interpretation of the mirror you see. 😉

As the servers floated through the room, they shared more selections from the hotel’s Christmas afternoon tea. Again, we were often served the story through reflections, showing how Chef Zoe breaks the Snow Queen’s magic mirror into icy blue sugar shards…

This Christmas afternoon tea at the Conrad London St James is not one to miss if you want to experience holiday food served with a story and incredible luxury ambiance. To transcend yourself in to the Christmas spirit of a winter wonderland fairy tale, this hotel (which has excellent ratings on TripAdvisor) is where you should go.

Aside from a selection of teas, for £55 a person, there is also free flowing champagne. It’s important to note that each table has a 1 hour and 30 minutes time allocation so guests don’t get too entranced in the winter fairy tale. The Snow Queen Christmas Afternoon Tea is offered November 23 – February 11.

What are 10 of the best things to do in London at Christmas? The list of possibilities is quite extensive. After all, Charles Dickens invented Father Christmas, didn’t he? 😉

Ok, ok, that’s a bit big, but really, when you think about the spirit of Christmas and the whole idea of gift giving and the celebration of the event, London is absolutely one of the places in the world that you want to be.

So what are the things to do in London at Christmas that MUST be on your list of activities? Let me show you, Sunny friends…

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Winter Wonderland

As a girl who grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida and spent tons of time at Disney World, I can safely say that you should ‘Let it Go!’ when it comes to your reservations about Winter Wonderland rides in London at Christmas.

In fact, if you ask me, the rides at Winter Wonderland are more exciting than those at Disney World. Scout’s honour! That’s if you’re interested in being flipped and tipped. It’s my favourite holiday activity, as you’ll see in this video.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Ice Skating

Another fun activity that you will find in many festive Northern climate cities during the holidays is ice skating. In London, during the holidays there are many places to slide across the ice (hopefully on your skates and not your bum!).

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Shopping

Of course, there’s the obvious things to do in London at Christmas, which is shopping. To keep it simple, you’ll want to stay focused on the shops on Regent Street, Carnaby Street, and Seven Dials. Make sure you watch out for the shopping nights in these areas because they offer discounts to customers that are really valuable!

I’ll be sure to announce the shopping nights in my newsletter. In fact, I already sent the Seven Dials Christmas Shopping party with 20% discount information to subscribers. To make sure you don’t miss the other ones, subscribe here.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Afternoon Tea

Who is able to visit London and skip afternoon tea? Not me!

There are many hotels that pride themselves each year on their festive Christmas afternoon teas. This year, you may wish to visit the Conrad St. James Snow Queen Afternoon Tea. It’s offered from November 23 2015- February 11 2016. I had the chance to preview it in October. My review will thoroughly explain why I choose it for this year’s Queen of the Christmas Afternoon Tea!

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Hogwarts in the Snow

One of the newest iconic things to do in London at Christmas is visiting the Warner Bros Studio Tour. From November 13, 2015 – January 31, 2016 the ‘Hogwarts in the Snow’ tour is offered. Iconic sets are decorated for festive scenes, the Great Hall is lined with trees, and the Hogwarts castle model is covered in a blanket of filmmaking snow.

Unfortunately, the Christmas dinner in the ‘Great Hall’ for December 3, 2015 is already sold out, Sunny friends. Make sure you read my blog post on what the studio tour involves before heading to Watford, London.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Charles Dickens Museum

Visiting the Charles Dickens Museum is a great activity any time of the year. Aside from touring the inside of one of Dickens’ homes, the museum has year-round activities for literary lovers. They offer Dickensian Walks, Costumed Tours, and a reading group. You can read my review of the Charles Dickens Museum to learn more about what’s inside for you.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Elf

Just a few streets away from the Charles Dickens Museum is the Dominion Theatre on Tottenham Court Road. From now until January 2, 2016 the show based on the 2003 hit film starring Will Farrell is running in the West End. You can see a trailer of the show here.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: See Santa

Seeing Santa at Christmas is everyone’s dream. There are many places around London this is possible. At Westfield London you can climb aboard Santa’s sleigh for a cinematic adventure. Santa’s Snowflake Grotto this year at Kew Gardens will have dancing lit-up fountains, a choir of holly bushes and a scented fire garden.

Royal Albert Hall has children’s tours with Victorian-themed stories and activities. If you’re a Florida girl like me and sometimes prefer a tropical climate over a snow storm, Santa’s Grotto at the Rain Forest Cafe might be something you consider too.

However, I’m told one of the best experiences for adults and children hoping to see Santa is at Leeds Castle, but that is a bit outside of London.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: IceBar London

If you’re thinking that it’s not appealing to subject yourself to -5° Celsius on purpose when it’s already very cold outside, you obviously haven’t been to the IceBar in London.

Soon after Mr. Sunny proposed to me, we visited the IceBar on a cold night in December. It features a ‘cold sensory experience where the walls, bar, table and even your own personal glass are made from Torne River ice which is harvested from the pristine winter wonderland of Jukkasjärvi in Northern Sweden.’ We also stayed for dinner after enjoying the subzero drinking experience. You can read more about my thoughts on the food and review for the Icebar here. Mr. Sunny and I highly recommend it!

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Drink Beer and Mulled Wine

Finally, something the British people do year round is drink. So, the holidays means you can enjoy festive ales at pubs while you’re sitting by the fireplace at your favourite local. You can also experience the traditional autumn/holiday beverage, mulled wine (AKA ‘Viking Blood’).

Ok, before you panic and feel like I’ve drained all the fun out of Christmas with that last picture, let me clarify that mulled wine is made with a recipe of red wine, various mulling spices and raisins. It’s not a drink for me. The smell is quite strong. However, it seems to be quite popular with everyone else in London at Christmas time.

‘Do they celebrate Christmas over there?’ My American grandmother asked me this question once during our weekly phone call.

I think what she meant was, ‘What do they do for Christmas in England?’ or rather, ‘What are the Christmas differences between the UK and USA?’

Most Americans have visions created by Charles Dickens dancing in their heads. They think Christmas celebrations in London involve Brits eating goose and hoping Jacob Marley doesn’t knock on their door.

So, just to keep things real, I asked Mr. Sunny to explain what he thinks Americans do for Christmas. His response, “Watch silly television. Have pancakes and syrup and bacon that isn’t really bacon for breakfast. Eat dinner which is roast turkey with mashed potatoes and country gravy that’s thick like what you get at KFC and corn, like creamed corn.’

He also added, ‘Being American you probably don’t drink too much, like us English.’

Well then.

It sounds like there’s both confusion and curiosity on both sides of the pond. Let’s see if we can clear some of that.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
The Name

First, the Brits refer to Santa Claus as ‘Father Christmas.’ It’s a very tough thing for me to remember when I am in a conversation with my English mates. Next, they say ‘Happy Christmas’ instead of Merry Christmas.

Ok then, that’s sorted.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
On Your Mark!

I still can’t figure out when Christmas in starts England. In August, I’ve been approached by staff members in pubs about booking a Christmas party. In October, it’s common for #Christmas to trend on Twitter in London.

Americans are notorious for excessive advertising and gluttony, but we still have an official line for the start of Christmas celebrations. Thank you, Thanksgiving.

In America, once the dinner dishes are cleared at the Thanksgiving table, it’s time to get your Christmas gear on. (Oh yeah, if you’d like my brother-in-law’s recipe for How to Fry a Turkey, read here)

That actually could mean battle gear for beating crowds at malls. Up until recently, Black Friday was only an American shopping phenomenon. It didn’t really exist in England. However, for some reason England had an onslaught of sales and super deals the day after ‘Thanksgiving’ in 2014. I still can’t figure out why.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
Decorations

Most Americans decorate their houses entirely in lights and other festive ornaments. That’s not just a Hollywood portrayal.

In suburan areas of America, great rivalries take place during the holidays to see who can have the most glorious display of Christmas covering their house and yard. It can be quite a competitive atmosphere. And, then there’s some that take the decorating opportunity to raise money for charitable causes. Check out this YouTube video which features the ‘Best of Star Wars Music Christmas Lights Show’

In the suburbs of London, I rarely see houses decorated on a street. Usually 2-3 houses out of both street sides have some lights. The lights seem to be tossed haphazardly around a tree.

However, if you travel just 20 miles outside of London, you can see Hogwarts in the Snow, which is the Warner Bros Studio Tour (AKA Harry Potter Tour) covered in Christmas decorations.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
Television

One of the toughest Christmas differences between the UK and USA for me is television. I just can’t seem to find Christmas specials on TV in London, except for an occasional channel offer. Channel 5 runs movies that are equivalent to Hallmark or Lifetime in the US throughout the day. But, I need my claymation and old school Christmas shows on constant replay to really get in the spirit.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:Christmas Crackers

I learned about Christmas crackers the first Christmas I spent in London. It’s concept is similar to a Thanksgiving wishbone but much prettier.

This Christmas cracker is a cardboard tube which has a present inside it. The tube is wrapped in colourful, festive paper. As two people break the cracker, a loud snapping noise is made. The person holding the larger end gets to keep the prize inside.

Christmas- Differences Between the UK and USA:
The Pub

It is tradition to go to your ‘local’ in England on Christmas Day. The times I have been to our local pub on Christmas, it is absolutely packed. People bring their kids and dogs for a few hours to celebrate the holiday. It’s open from about 12-2pm.

No, the kids and dogs aren’t drinking. Well, the dogs might get a few licks of beer here and there, but please don’t think the Brits are freely giving beer to their little ones. However, entire families are present and it’s joyous. The beer is also flowing pretty steady.

Christmas- Differences Between the UK and USA:
Boxing Day

I still don’t understand Boxing Day. Traditionally, December 26th was a day that servants received presents. Literally, they would receive boxes with presents inside from their employers.

What I do know is that since it’s a Bank Holiday, not much is open. Well, the pubs are open. Oh, and slowly there’s more and more shopping going on here on this ‘Bank Holiday.’

In America, the post-holiday sales kick off on this day.

Christmas- Similarities between the UK and USA:

Despite these differences, there are also some things that are in fact the same on both sides of the pond.
– There are major sales after Christmas. In London, they’re referred to as the ‘January sales’ and last a little bit longer than American retail sales.
– Stores play Christmas music throughout the season. In England, it seems Paul McCartney’s ‘Wonderful Christmas Time’ and George Michael’s ‘Last Christmas’ are rotated around every other song. I’ve never once heard Madonna’s ‘Santa Baby.’ I’m grateful for that.
– All those ‘happy holidays’ tend to drive some of us over the edge. Family arguments are at their peak in both the UK and USA over this stretch of time.
– Ugly sweaters/jumpers exist everywhere.– We all like to open presents for Christmas.– The red ‘Starbucks’ cup arrival is one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season in the UK and the USA.